State highway safety officials are urging Vermonters to drive safe and sober. Last year saw the highest number of traffic deaths in recent years, despite fewer cars being on the road in the early months of the pandemic lockdown.
This year, 74 people have died on Vermont highways, the same as all of last year. More than half suffered from impairment. 11 had THC (cannabis) in their bloodstreams. The number of ‘older drivers’ jumped from 19 last year to 23 so far this year.
Also, operators suspected as driving under the influence of drugs only continue to outnumber drunk-only drivers among Vermont highway fatalities.
The Rutland County Sheriff’s Department and other local Agencies will be conducting Checkpoints between December 16, 2022 and January 1, 2023. The focus is to deter Impaired Driving during the Holiday Season.
As of this press release, 74 people have died in Vermont from traffic crashes. 41 of those operators were under the influence of alcohol and or drugs or both representing 58% of the fatalities. 15 of the fatalities were related to speed and 31 were not properly restrained.
“If you drink alcohol, plan for alternate transportation. Slow down, obey the speed limit, don’t drive distracted and please wear your seat belt. Together we can make this a safe Holiday Season,” state highway official Jennifer Coffin said.